Reply #8: Officials: Saddam Still in U.S. Custody

[leftchick]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2758505

BAGHDAD, Iraq Dec 29, 2006 (AP)— Saddam Hussein's half brothers visited him in his jail cell and he gave them his will, Iraqi officials said Friday, indicating his execution may be approaching. But they said he had yet to be transferred to Iraqi custody.

The former president is being held at Camp Cropper, an American military prison where he is expected to remain until the day of his execution, at which point he is to be transferred to Iraqi authorities.

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The White House was preparing for Saddam's execution as early as this weekend, based on information that U.S. officials in Baghdad were receiving from the Iraqi government, a senior administration official said in Washington.

U.S. and Iraqi authorities have said he will be handed over to Iraqi officials prior to his execution.

An official close to al-Maliki has said Saddam would remain in U.S. custody until he is delivered to Iraqi authorities on the day of his execution. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.